Comparison of the Effect of Kombucha and Vitamin C on Coronary Arteries in Rabbits Exposed to Lead and High-cholesterol Diet

Background: Vitamin C and kombucha contain a high amount of glucuronic acid that can prevent cholesterol accumulation and convert cholesterol to a more water-soluble compound. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of kombucha and vitamin C on the coronary arteries and aorta of male rabbits exposed to lead acetate fed with a high-cholesterol diet. Methods: Forty male rabbits were divided randomly into four groups of 10 animals. Group 1 served as a control group. Rabbits in group 2 received water containing 547 ppm of lead acetate and a high-cholesterol diet (1%). Group 3 received water containing 547 ppm lead acetate and a high-cholesterol diet (1%) in combination with ascorbic acid (500 mg/kg), and group 4 rabbits were treated with water containing 547 ppm lead acetate and kombucha extract (10 ml/kg) for 40 days orally on a high-cholesterol diet (1%). Results: The results showed that in groups 3 and 4, no significant atherosclerotic plaques could be detected in coronary arteries, compared to the control animals. However, large atherosclerotic plaques were observed in the aortas of those treated only with kombucha. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical methods. The mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM) triglyceride (TG) serum levels in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 122.70 ± 66.77, 280.60 ± 88.66, 120.10 ± 8.33, and 107.86 ± 8.61 mg/dL, respectively. The mean ± SEM TG serum levels in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 67.80 ± 10.33, 67.90 ± 10.10, 60.80 ± 8.16, and 58.71 ± 4.78 mg/dL, respectively. The mean ± SEM TG serum levels in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 194.50 ± 6.58, 182.60 ± 13.75, 178.30 ± 18.01, and 166.00 ± 7.65 mg/dL, respectively. P-values for low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and TG were reported as P < 0.001, P = 0.077, and P < 0.001, respectively. Conclusions: It could be concluded that kombucha, unlike vitamin C, cannot prevent the formation of large plaques in the aorta, although it seems that it can prevent atherosclerotic lesions in coronary arteries. Therefore, further studies are required to evaluate the long-term use of kombucha to assess whether higher doses are beneficial in preventing atherosclerotic events or not.